"Do you reckon Charlie keeps a record of everyone who's relocated?"

The pause after Parvati's question meant she was waiting for an answer. Hermione looked away from the recruits. The entire morning had been dedicated to assigning groups that didn't want to murder each other. Each day they made progress was another day closer to rejoining the fight.

"Maybe. Doubt he keeps it nearby. Why?" replied Hermione.

"The boy yesterday. His sister Emery might still be alive. Thought I could give him some peace if I could find her."

"Do you think he would stay or leave to find her?"

Parvati shrugged, eyes saddened. "Would it be so bad if he did?"

"I don't think so," Hermione agreed.

She looked around again, trying to memorize all of the new faces. Blaise and Draco were absent, but no one seemed to fuss over it.

"Malfoy has to complete his interview today," Parvati said, answering Hermione's unspoken question. "McGonagall said he is being more cooperative now."

"That so?"

"Mmm."

Hermione rolled her head to look at Parvati. Damnit . These were times Hermione wished she had grown up with a sister. The way Parvati was able to read her mind with a simple glance was envious.

"I'm an idiot," Hermione mumbled.

Parvati sighed dramatically and looked back at the recruits. "Thank you for not making me say it."

The day had been exhausting. Hermione sat in one of the small nooks on the first floor, studying the painting on the wall. She was wearing pajama shorts and the jumper Draco left in her room the other night. It was a pathetic sight for anyone who knew what they were looking at. The couch she was on was plush and deep, and she rested her chin on her knees as the minutes of the night ticked away.

The side door opened and Hermione turned her head as Draco walked heavily inside. He steadied himself against the wall, head down and fringe covering his eyes. His large body took up nearly the entire door frame. Hermione unfolded her legs, getting ready to stand but stopping when he caught sight of her.

It took all her strength to cross her arms and sit back, the painting in front of her far less attractive than a moment prior. Not when temptation was a turn of the head away.

The door closed with a click. Draco's steps were heavy, but Hermione kept her eyes straight. She couldn't look at him while he was broken and not willing to let her help him. Being alone with him in the same room was a terrible idea that would only result in her own fracturing- but she couldn't bring herself to flee.

Draco kept walking until he stood directly in front of her, blocking the view of the photo. She stared on like she could see through him. The last thing she expected was for him to drop to his knees. She looked down, wanting to hold his face and get a good look at the damage the day brought. But he dropped his head in her lap and circled his arms around her waist.

He'd only ever done this once before when Neddy died. It was a memory that would be buried deeper than most. Draco rested his cheek against her lap, and Hermione studied his closed eyes and the perfect swoop of his nose. The rim of his eye was red surrounded by purple- painful to even look at. She brushed back his hair, running her fingers through the soft strands and he sighed and fell deeper into her.

There was dried blood from where it had leaked from his ears. That was how Hermione knew they found it. Every locked memory. McGonagall saw it—every private second of stolen time. There was no shame in how much she had loved him. It felt validating that someone else might be able to understand.

His breathing was deep and slow, and his arms around her loosened. Hermione's lips parted as she took a silent breath through her mouth. He had fallen asleep. Each breath from him warmed her skin as it brushed her legs.

A tremor ripped through him, and Draco coughed. His left arm tightened around her and his brows furrowed. Another jolt raked through him and Draco cursed into her lap as whatever pain washed over him. His shoulders tensed so much that Hermione could see each muscle bulging through his shirt.

Gently, Hermione brushed a finger over his temple. "Draco…?"

He sat back suddenly at the sound of her voice. Looking with confusion and suspicion that made her pull her hands back. He flinched slightly again, closing his eyes, and then pushing himself up. Whatever was hurting him wasn't enough to make him walk away. When he sat next to her, he kept only enough space between them so they weren't touching.

Draco crossed his arms and his head fall back on the couch. Hermione turned. His eyes were shut again but far less relaxed than before. He flinched, brows furrowing deeply.

Hermione folded her legs under her. The rise and fall of his chest started to quicken. She reached out tentatively, brushing her fingers across his neck where his pulse was thumping. He didn't move or push her away, nor reach for her. She shuffled closer until her knees were pressed against his leg, letting her fingers travel gently up to his face and brush softly against his lips.

His skin felt so delicate. Every time she touched him she expected her fingers to be met with stone. Carved from marble or granite and made to be admired instead of indulged. But he was warm and slightly shaking. Perhaps as unsure as she was.

She leaned forward slowly, pausing at the last moment before pressing her lips gently against his. He hummed, sighing through his nose but made no move to kiss her back. She leaned closer, cradling his face as she kissed his soft lips again.

"Kiss me," Hermione whispered.

Draco answered immediately. He pulled Hermione against him as he pressed his lips firmly against hers. His arms surrounded her, one hand pushed into the back of her hair to keep her face pressed against his. She opened for him, letting his tongue past her lips. He demanded more, pulling her tighter against his firm chest before rolling on top of her.

Hermione fell willingly. Her only regret was not being able to feel all of him. She pushed her hands under his shirt and his skin was hot and slightly sticky from sweat. Draco stopped holding back. His large hands surrounded her entire thighs as he pulled her legs apart.

There was clattering in the dining room and Hermione gasped and jumped. Draco started to chase her, but Hermione hurried to intercept them before they reached the door.

There were only a few recruits, trying to make a late-night snack the muggle way. Their giggles ceased when they saw Hermione. It was clear they were under the influence of something, which was rather fortunate as she was sure her face was flushed from nearly being caught dry-fucking the Dark Lord's Favored a few meters away.

It was easy to play nice and Hermione showed them how to operate a microwave along with what not to put into it. Draco was gone when she entered the study again a handful of minutes later. Which was fine. The better choice, she said unconvincingly to herself. Better than having to explain what the two of them were doing together so late in the night.

Hestia and McGonagall were waiting for her at the bottom of the stairs. Hermione only took a few moments to pack up her things when they told her she was to return to Potter House. What she wasn't expecting was for Draco and Blaise to join them on their way out.

Hermione looked at Draco who didn't give her more than a glance. His shoulders were tense with discomfort, yet he appeared more sound of mind.

"Minerva, does Potter House know who all is coming?" Hermione asked, cautiously.

"Molly is aware," she nodded.

Hermione grabbed Draco's shirt and he stopped instantly. Blaise followed suit, the two of them moving like flesh and shadow. There was a better chance of them getting attacked than welcomed upon arrival.

"Mr. Malfoy assured me that he will cause minimal disruption to current operations," McGonagall said to Draco, peering over her glasses.

"We are keen on making a discreet entrance," Blaise whispered to Hermione with a wink.

They apparated to the trees right outside the property line. Molly was there, waiting to give Blaise the location of Potter House.

"Come with me, you two. I'll show you around the back. Best to avoid the crowds in the front garden," Molly said, kindly.

The touch Molly placed on Draco's arm was familiar. Somehow, she knew that he needed to be approached with caution. Draco finally looked at Hermione and she wanted him to demand she come along too. But he just gave her a quick nod and left.

"It's going to be a painful one today," Hestia said to her as they walked towards the house.

The recruits and Order members were all excited to see her. The more familiar ones patting her shoulder or giving her a quick hug. She shuffled her way through until she arrived at the doors of the large dining room, entering quickly.

"Is Ron coming?" Hermione asked Arthur.

"Afraid not. He and Isla will stay away until we get this mess sorted," Arthur replied.

It was a small bit of luck. Ron hated Draco for reasons more personal than the war. It would also be more difficult to hide her recent foolish behavior from him.

Hermione looked around the table. There was one seat next to Anthony and Ginny and two across. She took the one by his side, considering she knew who was going to fill the empty spaces.

"I've heard about fifty renditions of your night at Hogwarts, Granger. We keep having to set the record straight," Abeforth said, kindly. "You are quite the legend."

The doors to the dining room burst open, and Draco and Blaise stomped in. Their presence demanded attention in a way that struck everyone into silence, all side conversations forgotten. Both were in shirts and trousers instead of black robes. Blaise's sleeves were rolled up to reveal the top of his Dark Mark, but Dracos were buttoned down to the cuff.

"You dare let them enter the grounds, you fools!" Podmore hissed at Arthur.

Several members had their hands around their wands. Hermione could tell by the way their arm positions changed.

He and Blaise casually took their seats. Draco adjusted his shirt, staring daggers across the table at Anthony. Everyone was hesitant to make the first move.

Four days ago, most of the Advisory considered Draco an enemy, second to only the Dark Lord himself. Even if they believed him, most had enough reason to hate him regardless.

Blaise folded his hands on the table. An arrogant move, but one that revealed he had no wand in his hands. Draco didn't either, but most people knew that he, like Hermione, didn't need a wand to be a threat.

"Pleasure as always, Stugris," Blaise replied to Podmore.

Abeforth spoke up before the confrontation could progress. "We have Mr. Malfoy's demonstration at Hogwarts to assess his authenticity. To what can we measure your loyalty to the Order?"

"Oh, Abby. If you think our history with the Order started four nights ago, you are in for a pleasant surprise," Blaise purred back.

"Zabini wasn't to be brought into this, Arthur," Shacklebolt said, diplomatically but equally pissed.

"I've shared with the Advisory the duration and level of your involvement," Arthur cut in. "What we don't have Zabini, is your motive for switching sides."

"It was the right thing to do," Blaise answered, casually.

"That's not enough," Ginny pressed.

"We're here and you're not dead. That enough, Ginerva?" Draco said, coldly.

"Where does your loyalty lie, Mr. Zabini?" McGonagall asked again. There was no doubt she already knew the answer. Especially as her clipped tone left no room for anything other than the truth.

Blaise glanced at Hermione, throat bobby as he forced himself to swallow.

"My loyalty is to Theo. From before I took the mark and every day since. You bring me his father, alive, and I will serve the Order in any way you lovely folks seem fit," Zabini said.

"Theo Nott? The man ?" Diggle said.

"Do you have a problem with that?" Draco threatened, his voice like knives as it sliced through the room.

"Not at all," Anthony answered first, keeping his voice light and sure. He turned his head to look at George.

George shrugged, casually. "Win for the blokes, I'll say."

Blaise smirked amused and Draco sneered at Anthony. Hermione felt her throat start to tighten and had to look away.

"Arthur, we need to activate the limited areas in large cities. Hermione, move over," Draco said sneaking in the last words. "Did you complete Edinburgh? That is where we pass most of the army through."

Hermione inched over, getting closer to Anthony's seat and peaking over her shoulder at what Draco was trying to look at. When she turned back around, Draco was glaring at her and then he tilted his head in the opposite direction. Anthony snorted a laugh, bringing his fist up to his mouth to cover it with a cough.

Arthur started talking just as Hermione rolled her eyes. "Death Eaters can still travel through, but they must do it without magic."

"Good. The Dark Lord will think that is our only approach," Draco said, pulling out a parchment.

"Is it not?" Charlie asked.

"Voldemort will direct all of his efforts to retaliate on Granger and me. While he's distracted, we hit all of the army's rendezvous points. I've added counter charms and fractures in the defenses of each of these." Draco instructed unfolding the parchment to reveal hand drawn maps and layouts.

"Why didn't you hand this over until now?" Shacklebolt accused.

"Because I am the one who approved the wards for the Dark Lord. Your about to discover how fucked we are now that I have been found," Draco replied.

"Someone else has stepped forward to make contact," Arthur revealed and everyone sat up. He lifted a hand. "Nowhere near where Malfoy ranked, but better than nothing."

"Who?" Hermione asked.

"They're a member of the Horde," Arthur said.

"Snatcher?" Hermione asked.

"Werewolf."

"No," Blaise and Draco said in unison.

"You're going to have to desert your prejudice if you would like to keep your seats at this table," Hestia challenged.

"You've forsaken your intelligence if you're willing to work with one of Greyback's beasts," Blaise snarled, seething.

Blaise always had an allure of a different kind of magic. A kind that leads the moth to the flame and a parched man to drink. All of that changed in an instant before her eyes. The magic turned dangerous and threatening.

Hermione's jaw felt tight. "Most of Greyback's pack didn't have a choice-"

"Who they were as humans is gone. Dead as if their hearts stopped and their flesh rotted into the ground. You cannot trust them, Hermione, we've been through this," Blaise interrupted.

"Greyback kept his unruly wolves caged outside the full moon. This time, he wasn't there to lock them back in," Arthur said, nodding to Hermione. "This is their chance. The same as we're giving you."

"Fine. You subject yourself to them but we will have nothing to do with it," Draco said with finality. "The Ministry should be first. It's a symbol of political power to the Dark Lord so long as he maintains possession of it."

"I'll take a team tonight," Hermione said.

"Do you want anyone specific?" Arthur asked.

"We'll go," Blaise stated before she could answer.

"No. I need you two to help hit the other army sites. We'll assemble your teams. Prepare to leave on the hour," Arthur directed.

"Granger should-"

"Granger is a member of the Order. Not your toy to play with!" Hestia shouted.

Hermione shot a look at the same time Draco did. It made her cheeks burn. If they were going to use Malfoy, the least they could do is show him a morsel of respect.

"Time is of the essence. Malfoy and Zabini can lead us to unknown sites. Based on these-" Hermione held Draco's notes up, "Only people with the Dark Mark can enter. I imagine a lot of these locations will have the same and we can't risk getting it wrong. They will take those along who are also marked. The advisory will divide the rest."

Everyone jumped up, getting into motion to get things ready. Hermione followed the team out, wanting to get in front of Draco and Blaise before the rest of the House caught sight of them.

"A word," Draco whispered in her ear.

He put a hand around her waist, the placement respectable. He led them through the servants' kitchen into the mudroom. The door closed with a click and Hermione waved her hand to shut the curtain on the door window.

Draco waved his wand at the utility sink. The faucet opened, and a stream of water cascaded out, taking form into the first four levels of the ministry.

"Enter from the Tele booth. It's harder to get to, but you'll bypass most of the security," Draco said, his voice tight. He flicked his wand and the model shifted until it reformed as the tenth floor. "There's a murder of dementors here. They'll be released once the first set of wards fall."

"Alright. I'll include it in-"

"Pay attention!" Draco snapped. His movements were sharp and twitchy as the water changed again. "These objects are cursed. The fountain, the lift, and anything of value on the ninth floor. You'll need to use the staircase. There are wolves kept locked on level ten and the ones Greyback trusted roam wherever. Since he's dead, they could all be wandering free."

"Or neglected to return," Hermione said. "Maybe it's empty."

" Hermione ," Draco cursed under his breath, pacing in front of her before stopping suddenly. "Why the hell did we wait four days to do this?! I have no insight into what additional measures have been added."

"We've been busy," Hermione said, smiling beside herself when Draco glared. "You and I especially."

He huffed a laugh, trying to sound annoyed but stepping closer to her.

"Higher rankings death eaters will have silver threads embedded in their robes and masks. Cast to kill," Draco whispered.

Hermione swallowed nervously. She looked up at him, trying not to tilt her head back expectantly. She shouldn't expect anything from him if she were smart. "Is there a reason you had to tell me this in private?"

"The other Order members don't hold back. You can't either, anymore. It makes you vulnerable," Draco's voice was quiet but kept a deadly edge. "I'm not there to help you. I can't do anything once you leave."

"I'll be alright," Hermione stated.

"Show no mercy."

"I can't do that."

"You must. If you die, everyone dies," Draco said, his fingers wrapped around her jaw and tilted her head up. "You go in there and destroy them, Granger. You tore down half the Ministry with a wave of your hand last time. If it cannot be saved, kill them all and get the fuck out."

Hermione swallowed, the muscles in her neck protesting against his tight grip. She nodded, helpless to resist his request. He exhaled, the warm air brushing her lips.

"Come back this time, or I will come get you myself," Draco said. Both a promise and a threat.